Porch Project (After)

FRI., AUG 21, 2009: After the joist hangers were secured to the frame this morning, the composite was ready to be laid. I should add there were a number of sinkholes under the porch. The guys sunk in 1 1/2-2 ft. deep in reconstructed earth.





Light pencil lines guide the placement of screws.


The steps are also composite. This piece will have a slice cut out of the top edge so that it becomes a tongue and groove type of installation. It's then slid under the riser and tapped into place, giving a nice snug fit.


Here's Fred, owner of High Quality Construction out of Luray, VA, lending a hand. The workmen, Bobby and Keith, are locals. I must not forget to mention Bill. He came in and helped finish the job. The last two days have been terribly hot and humid. Looks like we'll be getting some much needed rain over the weekend though. I hope that helps cool things off a bit. The project should be completed on Monday.

TUES., AUG 25, 2009: No work on Monday, but Fred dropped by to let us know. What a beautiful morning we have! Misty, cool and dewey. A rash of webs popped up overnight. Thought I'd take a picture of one on a yew by the house. We have a good population of funnel-web spiders and here's one of their webs. He's back down in the hole waiting for breakfast. This spider will make only one web during its entire life. He's not poisonous, just a little scarey looking. The males are about an inch long and females a little larger.


Blocks are nailed into place for added stability of decking material.


Wed., Aug 26, 2009: Another hot day. Supposed to reach 90 degrees. You'll find the hand railing on the steps is more narrow than the top porch railing. This gives one a better hand grip when going up and down steps .. especially important for small children.
They took great pains with the lattice. Stone work will replace the lattice when we complete the extended porch section. And they did a good job cleaning up. Note the neatly stacked lumber we were able to salvage. It's finished! You know, this company was absolutely great. I would recommend them in a heartbeat. Check them out. They have lots of project photos on their website. Just go to www.twothumbsupconstruction.com!